Meet Lola Young: The Rising Star Capturing Hearts in Pop Music

The past year has been a significant one for women in pop music. While stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé continue to shine, emerging talents are starting to make waves. Among them is Lola Young, a British singer-songwriter who is well on her way to becoming a household name.

Lola Young recently released her third album, This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway, in June. Following a busy tour in the USA and the UK, she is set to perform in Australia this month. The 23-year-old artist has been gaining momentum with each passing day, attracting a wide range of celebrity fans in 2024.

Young garnered attention when Snoop Dogg shared videos of her singing on his Instagram, even expressing a desire to sign her to his famous Death Row Records. Other fans include notable names like Lily Allen, Childish Gambino, and SZA. In early November, she announced new collaborations with rising stars in hip-hop, including her own track Charlie featuring Lil Yachty and vocals on Tyler, the Creator's Like Him.

“It’s kind of wild that a lot of rappers are into my music,” Young stated. “But when you really dive into it, my style does have hip-hop influences.” You can catch hints of this on tracks like Walk on By, which features sultry funk guitars and moody synthesizers, or the twangy chords in Conceited.

Young’s appeal is not just limited to her music; her authenticity and humor resonate deeply with fans. In her viral TikTok hit Messy, she invites a lover to accept her flaws: “I smoke like a chimney, I’m not skinny, and I pull a Britney every week. But hey, cut me some slack, who do you want me to be?”

This London-based artist has slowly built a fan base over the past few years. She was nominated for a Rising Star award at the Brits in 2021 and performed a cover of Together in Electric Dreams for a John Lewis Christmas ad. In 2022, she placed fourth in BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2022 forecast, showcasing her consistent flow of quality music since her debut at 18 years old.

Among her management team is Nick Huggett, known for managing Adele, and Nick Shymansky, who previously managed Amy Winehouse. Shymansky recalls being drawn to Young’s charisma at a showcase. “I knew right away that managing her wouldn’t be the easiest job,” he smiled as he prepared coffee. “However, it’s been an amazing experience.”

Audiences often compare Young’s powerful voice and candid lyrics to those of Winehouse and Adele. However, her earlier music sometimes felt less defined, much like her hazy album cover for My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely, released in 2023.

Things changed when she cut her hair into a mullet last year, steering her style towards more punk-inspired and chaotic arrangements. Collaborating with Los Angeles producer Solomonophonic was a significant step in this evolution. Young said, “He’s the best, wildest, and most fantastic person you’ll ever meet. I couldn’t believe I found someone with a bigger personality than mine.” Solomonophonic worked with the likes of Remi Wolf and helped Young embrace a sound with gritty funk and rock elements to complement her fierce vocals.

“The honest lyrics paired with a hip-hop groove is a unique combination,” Young explained. “I intended to take a more unconventional approach on this album.”

The bluesy introduction of Wish You Were Dead instantly captures attention, and its aggressive chorus showcases Young as a prominent figure—with her taking center stage confidently. Another track, Big Brown Eyes, directly challenges a toxic partner, kicking off with the daring line, “You can eat shit,” and leading to a powerful, cathartic chorus.

In contrast, Conceited is a straight-ahead blues rock tune directed at an overly self-assured lover. Young’s music generally delves into two main themes: tumultuous romantic relationships and her personal battles with mental health, which she has openly discussed for years.

Young lives with schizoaffective disorder, which combines symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders. She has experienced episodes of mania and psychosis, which she describes as challenging. However, she has also come to view her condition as a sort of superpower. “When I’m in a manic phase, I can write a song in just five minutes,” she shared, mentioning that much of her recent album was written during these intense periods. Her gentle ballad Intrusive Thoughts openly addresses these struggles, as she navigates the conflicting messages from her mind.

Fans have expressed gratitude for Young’s honesty, yet she admits it can become overwhelming. “I receive deeply personal messages all the time, which are beautiful but can feel heavy,” she noted. “It’s heartwarming to know I’m helping people, and that’s why I’ve always pursued music, but sometimes I can’t read everything.”

Reflecting on fellow artists like Chappell Roan, who have canceled performances due to stress, Young feels reassured about making similar decisions if necessary. “Chappell Roan is in a different league,” she said. “I’m on my journey, and if I need to cancel a show, I will—but I’m not there yet.” Keeping her mental health in check while touring is essential, especially with all the temptations the lifestyle brings. Nonetheless, Young described her recent experiences in the U.S., including a performance at Lollapalooza, as some of her happiest days.

Looking ahead, Young admits she has long aspired to achieve superstar status. “I’ve never hidden that goal. I want to reach a level of success like Avril Lavigne, Amy Winehouse, and Eminem,” she expressed. Young is unfazed by the idea of media attention, viewing it as a natural outcome of success in her field. With experienced managers who understand the need to protect and nurture her ambitions, Young feels prepared for whatever fame may come her way.

“If it had happened a few years back, I might not have handled it well,” she reflected. “But now, at 23, I feel ready for fame if it comes in the next few years.”

Lola Young is scheduled to perform at Wildlands, Lost Paradise, and Beyond the Valley festivals from December 28 to January 1, as well as at Metro Theatre in Sydney on January 8 and Max Watts in Melbourne on January 9.

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